The term Srivijaya is loosely used to describe the art and kingdom of Sumatra, Peninsular Thailand and Malaysia between the eighth and thirteenth centuries. The kingdom’s capital of Palembang on Sumatra was at the heart of a critical transit point, with cultural currents and cross currents from all directions with artistic influences as various as the religions inspiring them. Srivijaya was a melting pot of artistic styles; Gupta, Pala, Sailendra, Dvaravati, Si Thep and Phnom Da, all wonderful in their own right, but when mixed with the already existent local conventions made for beautiful tantric images of both bronze and stone. Religiously a stronghold of Vajrayana Buddhism with strong ties to Nalanda, Srivijaya attracted pilgrims and scholars from many parts of Asia. The mix of Mahayana and Bhramanic ideas with a touch of Theravada made for a wonderfully rich variety of sculpture, of which this piece is one. Many bronze items found in the region were imported from Central Java, however I believe this piece to be from Southern Thailand due to its broad almost Mon like nose and features which even though rubbed can still be seen.

According to some Buddhist traditions, the period of the Buddhist Law is divided into three stages: a first period of 500 years, of the turning the Wheel of the Law; a second period of 1,000 years, of the deterioration of the Law, and a third period of 3,000 years during which no one practices the Law. After this, Buddhism having disappeared, a new Buddha will appear who will again turn the Wheel of the Law. This future Buddha is still in the Tusita heaven, in the state of a Bodhisattva. Gautama Buddha himself will enthrone him as his successor. The name means 'benevolence' or 'friendship'. He is now living his last existence as a Bodhisattva. In anticipation of his imminent arrival, he is sometimes considered as a Buddha and given the title of Tathagata.

Maitreya is the only celestial Bodhisattva recognized by the sects of the Theravada school, who represented him from the outset. His representations abound throughout Buddhist Asia. Yet he is usually shown as a Bodhisattva, standing and adorned with jewels, rather than seated. In certain images representing him in the sky Tusita, he appears seated with his legs in Padmasana. He is recognized by wearing a small stupa in his headdress and a scarf is usually tied around his waist. Sometimes an antelope skin covers his left shoulder. He often forms a triad with Sakyamuni and Avalokitesvara.

Age: 8th Century.

Height: 12.5 cm on base, 11.3 cm off base.